As we returned to Frankfort to resume the 2011 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, we are faced with issues that are as wide and varied as the monster snowstorm that cut through much of the United States.
Several bills have already passed through the House of Representatives and are on their way to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 121, which would outlaw synthetic street drugs called “bath salts” currently on sale at convenience stores and other venues, passed the House by a vote of 94-0. This drug has been in Kentucky for some time and has become a threat to our young people’s health and safety.
HB 166, which would require state parks to buy Kentucky agricultural products, passed the House by a vote of 92-0. This legislation is intended to promote the sale of products under the Kentucky Proud Program.
Other committees were busy hearing testimony including the Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee which voted in favor of House Bill 14, which will help our service men and women and their families by waiving probate fees on the estate of those military killed in the line of duty.
The Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 58 which would require drunk driving offenders to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicles.
Legislation affecting education and immigration was discussed in committees this week and received a great deal of attention.
The complex issue of illegal immigration was heard by the House Local Government Committee, which discussed the possible costs of Senate Bill 6, passed by the Senate in early January, and House Bill 3, the House’s immigration bill. We believe that our plan - which would require contractors with a public agency and government agencies to use the E-Verify instant documentation check to determine eligibility of potential hires to work in the United States—is the better alternative.
It is a pleasure and an honor to serve as your State Representative.(You may reach Repesentative Adams at 859-428-1039 or 859-824-3387 or 502-564-8100, ext. 627 or e-mail: royce.adams@lrc.ky.gov.)